June 13, 2010

Second epilogue for variations: “The Lost Detectives” (Roberto Bolaño)

As with "Godzilla in Mexico," wording and phrase substitutions ("Teen Theater" vs. "Theater of Youth") and punctuation in a poem can hint at a subtle change of meaning, a subtle creation of feeling ...

Detectives lost in the dark city.I heard their moans.I heard their footsteps in the Teen Theater.A voice coming on like an arrow.Shadows of cafes and parks,Adolescent hangouts.Detectives who stare atTheir open palms,Destiny stained by their own blood.And you can’t even recallWhere the wound was,The faces you once loved,The woman who saved your life.

The lost detectives in the dark cityI heard their moansI heard their steps in the Theater of YouthA voice advancing like an arrowShadow of cafés and parksFrequented during adolescenceThe detectives who observeTheir open handsDestiny stained with its own bloodAnd you can’t even rememberWhere you were injuredThe faces you once lovedThe woman who saved your life

2 comments:

Well as it has been said, reading a translation is a bit like eating chips (french fries) with gloves on! You never quite savour the essence totally, just place your faith in the translator's integrity. Good to see two texts juxtaposed, its all part of the glory of the tower of Babel!

I like that metaphor of the chips! The nutritional value of the translated product notwithstanding, so long as the eater (reader) has had his fill, then who cares for the language barrier? Hail, Babel!